Abstract: In a first embodiment, a pair of cylindrical rods are held in closely spaced parallel relationship by support members mounted in the ends of the rods. The rods have confronting surfaces throughout their length. Pairs of overlapping cutting blades are mounted in the rods and between the confronting surfaces. A container is opened by being inserted between the confronting surfaces and drawn against the blades. When opened, the end of the container opposite the opening is then inserted between the rods and drawn between the confronting surfaces to empty the contents by pressing the opposite sides of the container together. In a second embodiment a flanged slot formed in a flat holder provides the confronting surfaces for emptying the container. Cutting blades mounted in the handle in way of the slot are used to cut the container open.

Abstract: An ink tank comprises a deformable ink bag for storing ink provided in a case, wherein a low strength portion is formed in a member constituting said case, and a lever for pressing said ink bag is formed by breaking said low strength portion. An ink-jet recording apparatus comprises a recording head unit having a discharging port for forming a flying droplet by discharging ink, and an ink tank for storing ink supplied to said recording head unit, wherein means for breaking a low strength portion of a case for said ink tank is provided to fixing means for fixing said ink tank in which a deformable ink bag for storing ink is provided in said case, said low strength portion is formed in a member constituting said case, and a lever for pressing said ink bag is formed by breaking said low strength portion.

Abstract: An improved dispenser for the contents of collapsible tubes is provided in which a pair of opposing squeezers are advanced along two opposing pairs of externally threaded rods within a housing. The squeezers are made of a flexible material such as semi-rigid rubber and are configured such that one end of each squeezer is longitudinally displaced towards the dispensing aperture in the housing and transversely displaced towards the sidewall of the housing. This arrangement causes the squeezers to deform and change profile when the leading edges of the advancing squeezers are stopped prior to the following edges being stopped. The deformation of the squeezers more effectively places pressure on the collapsible tube near the dispensing aperture of the tube and substantially completely dispenses the contents of the tube.

Abstract: A syringe for use with collapsible ampoules pre-filled with a liquid medicament includes a body that forms an open receptacle for the ampoule and a handle attached by a hinge to one end of the body so as to be in opposed relationship with the ampoule. The handle carries a compression pad on its underside, so that the handle can be squeezed toward the body to compress the ampoule. The body has a fitting at its proximal end for the attachment of a double-ended disposable needle. When the needle is attached to the fitting, the distal end of the needle passes through the fitting and punctures the ampoule, allowing the contents of the ampoule to flow into the needle as the ampoule is compressed. In one embodiment, the handle is hinged to the proximal end of the body; in a second embodiment, it is hinged to the distal end. In both embodiments, the pad is maintained in substantially parallel alignment with the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: A collapsible tube container having a stiff non-collapsible wall portion with a progressively engagable tube follower for dispensing the material within the tube. The stiffened wall portion of the tube is engaged by the follower for progressive and controlled advancement along the length of the tube.

Abstract: A device for squeezing successive portions of a collapsible tube containing a dischargeable material, such as toothpaste, and for winding the emptied tube portion includes a longitudinally split tubular body portion which flexibly and resiliently supports a pair of jaws on opposite sides of the longitudinal slit for extending over opposite sides of a collapsible tube portion from which the contents are to be squeezed. The jaws are squeezed together manually by the user and the emptied portion of the collapsible tube is wound on a key extending into a cylindrical cavity within the tubular portion.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser includes a flexible bag, an enclosing box and an actuator. The bag is formed with two chambers, a supply chamber and a discharge chamber, and a hole through which the actuator moves. The discharge chamber has a discharge member which is acted upon by the actuator to dispense a measured discharge. The bag is suspended in the housing with the discharge chamber folded relative to the supply chamber.

Abstract: The device is provided for dispensing paste from a squeeze-type tube and comprises a base member for supporting the tube and a cover member disposed in movable covering relation over the tube and the base member, such that application of force to the cover member collapses the tube progressively from the rearward end to the forward end thereof so as to expel paste therefrom. The cover member is removable from the base member and includes an opening in the forward wall thereof through which the neck of the tube extends.

Abstract: A flat, rectangular box 4 formed of cardboard contains a bag 18 of multi-layered foil material. A tube 24, which is disposed in the interior of the box in the transport condition of the package and can be removed from the box interior through an opening 10 which is closed by a tear-off strip, which is connected in liquid-tight manner to the bag 18 by a connecting piece. An outlet 36 provided at the free end of the tube is controlled by a pressure relief valve, which is provided in the tube and opens in the direction of the outlet. The walls of the narrow sides of the box each have a longitudinal fold along which these walls can fold outwards when the broad sides of the box are pressed together in order to empty the bag filled with a fluid, e.g. coffee extract. The one-way package is particularly suitable for use in a beverage vending machine in place of the storage containers employed until now.

Abstract: A device for opening food pouches including a spring loaded handle provided with stripping rods and a pouch cutter. The stripping rods pivotally engage one another so that a heated food pouch may be grasped by the opening device in tongs-like manner. The stripping rods include opposing smooth planar abutting surfaces for stripping food away from the end of the pouch to be opened. A cutting blade, preferably hook-shaped in configuration and mounted adjacent the free end of one of the stripping rods is operable to slit the pouch, while the pouch is still in the grasp of the stripping rods, by retraction of the device relative to the pouch.

Abstract: An extruding device for dispensing the contents of a tube container by compressing the container between bottom and top members. The top member is hingedly connected to the bottom member at one end and closes over and latches at the other end. The bottom and top members form a pair of in-line openings along opposite sides for receiving a tube container. A pivotally mounted locking lever is provided in the top member and may be pressed down against the bottom member to lock the tube container in the extruding device.

Abstract: A dispenser device for dispensing flowable contents from a compressible tube. The device includes a support having a base plate; a curved compressor body; a shaft rotatably supporting the compressor body and having a pivotable connection on the support so as to define a gap between the compressor body and the base plate. A compressible tube can be inserted into the gap. The device further has a manually operable handle connected to the compressor body. The handle, on rotation, is adapted to move the compressor body towards the base plate for exerting pressure on a tube placed between the compressor body and the base plate so as to force the flowable contents out of the tube.

Abstract: A flexible tube and closure includes a hollow body which terminates forwardly in a closable nozzle and rearwardly in a sealed area to retain a paste-like material therewithin. An expeller is movable from the rear sealed closure towards the front opening to rearwardly squeeze the body to force the material toward the front opening. A flattened section extends rearwardly from the closure and connects to the expeller in a loop configuration to aid in grasping and functioning the device. Longitudinally extending strips including corrugations may be provided exteriorly of the body to facilitate operation of the expeller.

Abstract: A dispenser for tubes of fluent materials, such as toothpaste, wherein the tube is placed between two wings which are progressively moved towards each other to squeeze the tube and dispense its contents. The wings are mounted at their ends which are remote from the open end of the tube and are movable towards each other by two guides mounted on a carriage which is movable from the mounted ends of the wings towards the open end of the tube. As the carriage moves from the mounted ends of the wings, where the wings are close to each other, towards their other ends, where the wings are initially further apart, the wings are forced together to apply a squeezing force to the tube. The guides are moved by a ratchet system including a reciprocable rack and a ratchet tooth provided on the carriage. Movement of a dispenser operating lever moves the rack in one direction to move the carriage. The ratchet system includes a fixed rack to prevent the carriage from moving in the wrong direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and selectively dispensing sterile liquids comprises a liquid filled sealed flexible bag which has an integral dispensing spout formed therein. The flexible bag is received within a two piece housing which has spring mechanism to engage and exert pressure on the bag once the two pieces of the housing are closed together. A valve is mounted to the housing and engages the spout of the bag, effectively closing off the dispensing orifice of the spout. The valve is operable to move away from the spout to selectively dispense the pressurized sterile liquid from the bag.

Abstract: A self-cleaning valve used at the outlet of a container has an elongated flexible flattenable tube with an inlet end for receiving material to be dispensed from the container and an outlet end for dispensing the material. In the at-rest condition of the valve, a section of the tube extending from the outlet end is supported between a housing surface and a closure-cleaning lever member spring-mounted on the housing so that it pivots about a fulcrum. By pressing down on one end of the lever member, the tube can be opened so that material, forced out of the container, can be dispensed from the outlet end of the tube. After the material has been dispensed, the lever member is pivoted along the outside surface of the tube pressing the tube against the housing surface so that any material remaining within the tube is forced out of the outlet end.

Abstract: A flexible tube dispensing device designed for use with flexible tubes containing pastes, gels, liquids and certain powders. In use the dispensing device opens to accommodate the end of a flexible tube in which is contained a product in paste or other form which may be dispensed by squeezing the tube. Once the tube is inserted, squeezing of a pair of dispensing jaws of the device squeezes the tube to dispense the product and causes the device to advance along the tube as the product is dispensed. This allows almost complete evacuation of the tube contents and dispensing of relatively uniform amounts of contents each time the device is squeezed.

Abstract: In a device for the measured discharge of a single or multiple component viscous substance, a tubular container holds the substance. An expandable hose-like member is located within the container and is arranged to receive a propellant or expanding medium which forces the substance through an outlet.

Abstract: A device executed in the form of two hinged frames secured together with a hinge axle and fitted with a spring and a squeezing roll, provided with a sleeve. The bottom part of the tube is to be inserted under the squeezing roll; both frames being pressed by fingers are drawn along the length of the tube. The present invention makes it possible to squeeze out practically all the contents of a tube.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for quickly, efficiently and with minimum human contact removing the contents of flexible or collapsible containers, for example, frozen blood from the plastic pouches in which it is collected from human donors. The container is positioned and retained between a pair of plates which are relatively movable to compress the container to discharge the contents. The plates are preferably mounted on a continuous conveyor for automatically moving the container from a loading station where the container is inserted between the plates, to an opening area where a portion of the container is removed to provide access to the contents, and from there to a compression position where the plates are forced together to discharge the contents from the container through the access opening. For frozen contents, the plates and container may also pass through a thawing area where the container is heated sufficiently to free it from the frozen contents.

Abstract: A housing carries an anvil having an upper surface for supporting the deformable body of a collapsible tube. The header wall of the tube bears against the forward end wall of the housing which is spaced from the forward end of the anvil. An elongate presser element having a rearward end pivotally connected to the housing includes a surface which is arcuately movable relative the surface of the anvil. The presser element is moved toward the anvil to squeeze fluent material from the tube in response to pressure exerted upon an elongate actuating element bearing upon the presser element and having a pivotally connected end proximate the forward end of the housing. An article storage compartment located below the anvil is accessible through a door carried at the rear of the housing.

Abstract: Welding apparatus which includes a fuel container for liquefied gas, an oxygen generator, a burner nozzle, and a flow control system for conveying a controlled amount of gas and oxygen from the fuel container and oxygen generator to the burner nozzle for combustion. The oxygen generator includes a reactor which contains a catalyst for decomposing the oxygen generating compound to produce oxygen and water and accompanying heat. Heated oxygen and water from the reaction are carried to a collection chamber by a condenser system which condenses substantially all of the water. An evaporator system carries oxygen from the collection chamber to the flow control system. In one embodiment it is arranged in thermal association with the reactor so that the heat of the reaction is utilized to vaporize any water entrained in the oxygen coming from the collection chamber, thereby promoting proper combustion of the oxygen and fuel at the burner nozzle.

Abstract: A method and device for forcing segregated plasma from a flexible collecting bag containing a layer of plasma over a layer of red blood cells has a member to reduce the chance for a portion of the red blood cells to also flow from the collecting bag. The device has a fixed member mounted normal to a base, and a movable member connected to the base by a hinge and urged toward the fixed member by a spring. The spring squeezes the collecting bag, which is supported between the fixed and movable members, forcing the plasma from the top of the bag. A stop member automatically stops the movement of the movable member when a large portion of the plasma has been forced from the bag. The stop member is releasable, allowing further movement of the movable member to remove the remaining portion of the plasma while being closely monitored by an operator.

Abstract: A horizontally disposed base supports a collapsible tube filled with tooth paste. A frame, pivotally supported by the base, includes a pressure foot movable toward and away from the collapsible tube in overlying relation for progressively collapsing the tube and extruding paste therein.

Abstract: A dispensing holder for a collapsible tube, such as a tube of toothpaste, comprising a carrier plate for the tube and a seat extending substantially normal to the front of the carrier plate. The carrier plate is formed with a recessed front portion connected to the seat. The seat and carrier plate define a continuous aperture extending across their connection, formed so that the conical front end of a collapsible tube can be received through the seat and, when the tube is near empty, can be pivoted downwardly through the connection to be received in the recess and through the carrier plate, thereby facilitating emptying of the tube. A compressor having a rounded leading edge is slidably engaged to the carrier plate to provide a means for progressively collapsing the tube.

Abstract: A dispensing container for storing and dispensing pre-packaged quarter pound segments of softened butter or similar dispensible materials. Segments of butter pre-packaged in plastic envelopes are constrained between a movable butter feed plate and a stationary base in conjunction with a sealing plate within the container for dispensing butter therefrom. The sealing plate includes a hinged sealing edge that cooperates with a rigid feed lip at the front of the container to define a feed passageway and to seal an end of the envelope that is disposed therebetween. Depressing the feed plate compresses the pre-softened butter within the packaging envelope to open the feed passageway and force butter through the envelope end. When the feed plate is released, the feed passageway is automatically sealed.

Abstract: A toothpaste holder and dispenser is described comprising a housing including a compartment for receiving a collapsible tube of toothpaste, the compartment having a wall formed with an opening through which the toothpaste is dispensed. The housing includes a closure member normally closing the dispensing opening but engageable by a toothbrush for opening same to thereby permit the collapsible tube to dispense toothpaste onto the toothbrush. The housing further includes a second compartment for receiving the toothbrush, the latter having detent means for holding the toothbrush within its compartment.

Abstract: Viscous fluids are dispensed intermittently in regulated quantities from a body of such a fluid held under maintained pressure and under the control of a control valve in a fluid flow path positioned at a significant distance upstream of a discharge point, the flow path between the control valve and the discharge point having its contained volume adjusted in coordination with operation of the control valve so that as the valve closes the volume is increased to prevent exudation of fluid at the discharge point.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides a process and apparatus for at site preparation of beverages using a new improved concentrate containing packet having a pressure rupturable inner seal positioned adjacent an exit port and within the boundary of a severable more permanent boundary seal. When a beverage is selected, the packet is positioned within a discharge mechanism provided with a severing member and pressure applicators wherein the packet is severed at the exit port and intermediate the pressure rupturable inner seal and the severable more permanent boundary seal. Following the severing operation, the pressure applicators are activated to compress the packet thereby breaking the pressure rupturable inner seal and discharging the concentrate into a suitable container such as a cup where it may be blended with a liquid for consumption.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for discharging the contents of collapsible packages includes a housing which is mountable to a supporting surface and in which the package, such as a toothpaste tube, is placed for the dispensing of its contents. The housing contains a pressure plate which is used to compress the package against a wall of the housing and includes a pair of pressure arms pivoted to a wall of the housing and engageable against spaced portions of the pressure plate, the pressure arms being linked together for joint movement under action of an operating member such as a lever arm. According to a preferred embodiment, pressure arms have a roller at their ends for reducing friction between the pressure arms and the pressure plate.

Abstract: An intravenous fluid therapy system includes a source of intravenous fluid which is an intravenous-fluid-filled non-vented container having deformable side walls. Pressure means substantially surrounds the side walls of the source to pressurize the intravenous fluid therein. The pressure means includes tensioning means to cause the pressure means to exert a force against the side walls. An airless flow meter receives intravenous fluid from the source by a tube means. The airless flow meter includes flow indication means which may be a plurality of fins symmetrically secured to a hub rotatably mounted within a non-vented chamber. An outlet from the flow meter is connected by tube means to an intravenous catheter. In operation, the source is pressurized to allow intravenous fluid to flow through the tube means and the airless flow meter and out the catheter to urge all air therefrom.

Abstract: A dispenser for toothpaste and the like having a V-shaped one-piece plastics body portion and a retaining portion for receiving the neck of the toothpaste tube. The body and retaining portions are connected to one another by connecting means comprising at least one male connecting component on one portion and at least one female connecting component on the other portion. The two components are co-operable for slidably connecting the two portions to retain the tube in the dispenser. Each arm may be a substantially flat strip sufficiently rigid to evenly distribute pressure applied to the arms at one point, over the length of the tube.

Abstract: The neck of a bottle is closed and sealed by a one-piece cap having a cylrical portion which surrounds the neck, a deformable end wall which extends across the open end of the neck, and a flexible hose which is integral with the end wall. The inner side of the end wall has an annular bead which sealingly engages the inner surface of the neck when the pressure in the interior of the bottle is reduced below atmospheric pressure. An annular groove at the inner side of the end wall surrounds the bead and communicates with the atmosphere by way of at least one channel in the cylindrical portion. The groove communicates with the atmosphere during expulsion of air from the bottle, for example, in response to heating, but is sealed from the interior of the bottle when the end wall bulges inwardly and maintains the bead in sealing engagement with the neck.

Abstract: A clamp device for effectively evacuating the contents of a flexible tube dispenser is disclosed. The device comprises upper and lower arm portions having a straight trailing side, a forward side having a centrally located curved portion, and opposing arcuate surfaces such that said arm portions are thickest at their centers. End members maintain the separation of the arm portions. In one embodiment, the arm portions are permanently affixed to the end members. In a second embodiment, the lower arm portion is latchably connected to one of the end members.

Abstract: A device for feeding fluid at substantially constant pressure from a flexible container compressible by a pressure plate movable toward and away from a stationary plate to form a variable volume chamber for the container. A linkage connects the pressure plate to spaced-apart transverse tensioning plates attached to the ends of a tensioning spring. The spring encircles a screw having threaded oppositely portions with nuts thereon for spreading the tensioning plates apart to tension the spring and move the pressure plate away from the stationary plate when the screw is rotated in one direction, and the tensioning plates are axially retractable on the screw by spring tension when the nuts are retracted by reversely rotating the screw, to apply substantially constant closing pressure through the linkage to the pressure plate.

Abstract: A device for emptying a container of the type comprising two domed parts of different stiffnesses sealed along a joint and having an outwardly directed flange adjacent the joint. A holder for the container has an opening and a member defining a gap to position and receive most of the container flange. The opening and the gap defining member are so arranged that when the flange is inserted in the gap, the outlet of the container is located substantially in line with the holder opening. An emptying member is provided opposite the holder opening and is manually displaceable in the direction thereof for emptying the container. In one embodiment, the holder is the cylinder of a piston and cylinder arrangement, the piston of which forms the emptying member while in another embodiment, the holder is in the form of an annular structure, one part of the wall of which has enhanced flexibility so as to form the emptying member.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with (a) packages for flowable materials comprising a flexible laminated tape having two layers, a series of completely sealed pockets formed between the layers at intervals along the length of the tape and containing individual doses of material, and sealed openings in one of the layers through which the contents of the pockets can be discharged onto the surface of the tape by application of pressure to the tape and (b) dispensers for use with said packages.

Abstract: A toothbrush having an elongated handle provided at one end with a head comprising a surface from which bristles project in the usual manner. Within and extending longitudinally of the handle is an elongated cartridge chamber terminating at the head end of the handle with an opening communicating at one end with the chamber and at its other end with the bristled surface. The cartridge chamber is adapted to receive therein an elongated, tubular, flattenable, dentifrice cartridge insertable through an opening at the end of the chamber remote from the head. A dispensing member slidable longitudinally of and within the chamber is engageable with the cartridge to flatten such cartridge progressively from the remote end of the handle toward the head end thereof, thereby dispensing the dentifrice into the bristles of the toothbrush through an elastomeric, tubular cartridge tip disposed in the opening in the toothbrush head and extending beyond the bristled surface.

Abstract: A toothpaste holder and dispenser combination is disclosed herein having a housing supporting a slidable member on the front wall thereof and a sloping surface on the rear wall thereof. An angular chamber is defined between the opposing wall surfaces for insertably receiving a tube of toothpaste. The slidable member or actuator is forcibly urged against the tube so as to be operable to close upon the tube against the rear sloping wall to effect a controlled and progressive discharge of toothpaste from the nozzle of the tube. A cap is resiliently carried on the housing normally biased to close the nozzle of the tube.

Abstract: A collapsible tube squeezing device comprises a pair of matching jaws pivotally connected at one end with matching handles at the other end, and a resilient spring for retaining the jaws in a closed position. A collapsible tube zone defined by contact faces of the jaws which are provided with a roughened surface to frictionally engage a collapsible tube. The pivotal end of one of the jaws is bevelled to permit opening and closing of the tube squeezer device and for gripping the crimped end of a collapsible tube to retain it between the jaws.

Abstract: A holder and dispenser for material contained in a collapsible tube is disclosed and includes a housing for retaining a collapsible tube in position; the housing is formed with guide shoulders on opposite sides of a slot formed in a wall of the housing; a wedge-shaped press member is disposed within the housing with a portion of the press member in engagement with the guide shoulders; the press member is provided with a handle which includes a stem portion securely fastened to the press member and which extends through the slot and terminates exteriorly of the housing with a manually engageable portion; the manually engageable portion is shaped to have a longitudinal dimension which may be substantially equal to the longitudinal dimension of the press member but which is bent or curved approximately at its midpoint to enable a user to rock the handle about the bent midpoint to thereby pivot through a limited angle the press member into and out of engagement with the collapsible tube positioned in the housing;

Abstract: A holder and dispenser for material contained in a collapsible tube is disclosed and includes a housing for retaining a collapsible tube in position; the housing also is formed with guide shoulders on opposite sides of a slot formed in a wall of the housing; a wedge shaped press member is disposed within the housing with a portion of the press member in engagement with the guide shoulders; the press member is provided with a handle which extends through the slot; the press member is formed with a rounded undersurface and the handle is connected to the press member to permit a rocking movement thereof as well as linear movement along the length of the housing.

Abstract: Collapsible tube squeezing device consists of a pair of jaw members defining therebetween a collapsible tube receiving zone, a first pair of links pivotally connecting opposite side of one end of each jaw member with the longitudinal axes of the pair of links being generally normal to planes of the jaw members and a second pair of links pivotally connected at one end to the pivotal connection between the first pair of links and one of the jaw members and connected at the other end to the other jaw member for limited sliding motion in a plane parallel to the planes of the jaw members.

Abstract: A dispenser for applying non-solid, thixotropic, viscous materials -- as, for example, mastic, caulking compound, coatings, paints or heavy greases -- the dispenser being adapted to removably receive disposable, interchangeable, collapsible bag means which contains the material to be dispensed, and including a trigger-operated handle adapted to receive a flexible discharge tube therethrough. Various discharge tips or rollers can be interchangeably attached to the discharge tube. The dispenser also includes a manually operated, compressive means to dispense the needed material in required amounts.

Abstract: Apparatus for administering liquids such as blood or saline solution comprises a readily collapsible but substantially inextensible container with a duct through which liquid can leave the container. Take-up means is provided to restrict the volume of that part of the container communicating with the duct, and referred to as the operative part. The take-up means is adjustable to vary the volume of the operative part. Calibration means is provided to enable the volume or the changes in volume of the operative part to be measured. In one type of construction the duct leads to a junction between a liquid inlet which may be connected to a source of liquid, and a liquid outlet, such as a terminal connector connectable to a needle, a catheter or the like.